Transforming Anxiety Through the
Creative Process
Art Therapy for Youth & Adults
I provide art therapy to children, teens, and adults with anxiety. My practice is located in Montclair, NJ, and I also offer virtual therapy to clients in NJ and NY. Art therapy is a unique form of therapy that can help to improve self-awareness, identify strengths, and build self-regulation and coping skills. Art therapy combines traditional talk therapy techniques with the creative process, promoting a hands-on, engaging exploration of the self.
When my clients first come in, they may be feeling worried, uncertain, or overwhelmed. As deeply feeling individuals, they often face unique challenges around wondering if they are “too sensitive” and may even judge themselves for needing some extra support. They long for clarity and calm and aren’t feeling like the empowered, confident person they long to be. Like my clients, you deserve an innovative and dynamic therapy experience that is also comfortable and engaging. Learning new skills and feeling calmer and more like “you” is not out of your reach.
My clients know that therapy might not always be easy, but they are committed to deep change and growth, and often tell me that they are excited to do the work of self-exploration. If you want to gain a new perspective and grow into your most authentic self, I’d love to help you get there.
You don’t need any art training or previous experience to benefit from art therapy.
Hi, I’m Jackie (she/her)
ATR-BC, LPAT, LCAT, ATCS
I’m a licensed, board-certified art therapist in Montclair, NJ. I’m passionate about helping my clients slow down, get in touch with their feelings, learn new skills, ease anxiety, and begin their path toward healing and self-growth. Prior to opening my private practice, I worked for a decade as a psychotherapist in top-ranked hospitals with children, teenagers, and adults.
I’d love to talk with you and see if we’re a good fit to work together. As an ATCS, I also provide clinical supervision for art therapists who are pursuing their credentials.
Children & Teens
Childhood and adolescence are full of ups and downs, and youth face very real challenges such as fears, worries, or social, emotional, or academic hurdles and pressures that may require a bit of extra support.
For both children and teens, art and the creative process offer a natural, developmentally-appropriate, and engaging form of therapy that is inviting and interactive.
Adults
Adults are often tasked with a multitude of responsibilities and roles that may not leave much time for self-care or the crucial work of slowing down and connecting to their body, emotions, or inner world. Art therapy is often a place where my adult clients can reconnect with themselves, explore challenges, and heal.
All adults are welcome to art therapy - you do not need any prior art training or skillset - just curiosity, motivation, and trust in the process.
I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for. -Georgia O'Keeffe
About Art Therapy
According to the American Art Therapy Association, “Art therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.
Art therapy, facilitated by a professional art therapist, effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns. Art therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.”
